Princess Lace UV Protection Folding Umbrella for Women - Black

AwesomeI purchased this for added UV protection after being diagnosed with a sun allergy. I will admit that it was the goth/Adams family look of the umbrella that caught my attention at first; but after I received I found that it offers good protection from the sun. I gave it four stars instead of five because it is a hassle to refold when not in use (and yes I do own another tri-fold umbrella and it is much simpler to close and fold then this one) and I almost lost the handle at the bottom because it loosened over time and fell off. (Note: You can easily screw the handle back on the umbrella but I would prefer it if I did not have to frequently check and tighten the handle to prevent it from coming off.) As I love the umbrella so much I have decided to use it strictly for more formal occasions so I can lessen the chances of losing the handle. But other then those two things it is a cool sun umbrella that offers good protection so I would recommend it for that alone.As a goth girl who hates the heat and the sun, I have ordered very many parasols in my life. Some even up to $80. I was in desperate need of a parasol seeing as the summer is right around the corner and it's already really hot where I live. I needed something cheap but not too cheap in quality. This parasol arrived quickly. I was disappointed when I saw the box. It is very small and doesn't look like it could fit a parasol at all. However upon opening I was surprised to find a lace purse. Inside the purse was the folded up parasol. I opened it up and it's actually a decent size and the lace on the outer part of the parasol is really cute. In addition it has a few other cute accents to it..I'm very surprised to say I'm actually really happy with this purchase and will definitely buy again.I bought this to use with my Lolita clothes on an upcoming trip to Japan, but I just gave it a test run walking for 2 miles outside this morning.It looks like the picture, but I agree with the person who says that it looks kind of cheap when you look at it up close. However, it is cute. The reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 4 or more is because the handle. The first section, if you will, of the handle tries to push back into the handle shaft while I'm holding it, making me have to hold the umbrella from the middle section of the shaft (I hear Archer yelling "Phrasing!" in my head every time I type that word), which is kind of awkward and a bit worrisome, as the shaft does not feel very sturdy.As for performance, it does keep the sun out, and I didn't feel particularly warm under it like I did when I used a regular black umbrella to block out the sun previously. My worry is that strong winds or an actual typhoon will cause the shaft to snap. I guess I'll find out.I would have given this 5 stars due to it's elegance and beauty, but when I got it the button for opening and closing it was broken, the spring was sticking out, making it impossible to press the button. I had to use tweezers to push the spring back in every time I want to close it. Other than that, it's beautiful, wonderful, elegant, even the inside is nice. It comes in a cute little bag too, which you can use as a purse if you want to. Very nice.*Edit: The umbrella no longer gives me trouble when opening and closing, the spring has been pushed back under the button and it's been a lot better now.My daughters loves them and the dark lining makes me feel they will be very uv safe in summer. they fold easy and the little bag they come in is very cute. I am thinking of buying one for myself!. shipping was ok it arrived in time. they are a bit huge for my 7 yr old I do wish there was a slightly smaller size option for her! this is very adult sized. They loved the beads on the handle.This is super fabulous! I love that it is covered in a really pretty lace and looks all pretty like a parasol should, even down to the beads hanging off the handle. It came with a super cute little carrying case that matches the outside of the parasol also. Inside there is a print of flowers, I had no idea there would be little white flowers all inside of it, I figured it would be black. It's cute! The double folding thing is really not a big deal. Pay attention when you open it and you will be able to fold it back, it's pretty easy. ?The parasol itself is extremely cute and functional when it's open. However, I bought this specifically because it folded up so small. I wanted something I could tuck into my purse and have on hand for those occasions when I need a parasol or umbrella, but wasn't expecting it. It was folded up quite neatly and compactly when it arrived, but I've found it impossible to get it back down that small. Folding it back up takes me several minutes, and the final result is much bulkier than I'd like.Additionally, the material feels quite cheap and plastic-y. When I pull the strap around the closed umbrella to velcro the whole thing in place I'm worried about pulling too hard, lest I stretch the material out of shape.